The Upper East Region recorded a total of 2,922 criminal cases in 2006 as against 3,046 in 2005, according to the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Ofosu Mensah-Gyeabour. He said the Region also recorded 145 motor accident cases in 2006, down from 167 cases in 2005. Addressing an annual reception for police officers, popularly known as ‘WASSA’ in Bolgatanga at the weekend, Mr Mensah-Gyeabour said prevalent cases in the region were assault, stealing, threat of death and causing harm. He said a major challenge that the police had to deal with last year was the spate of robbery on the highways, especially along the Nakong-Tumu and the Bolgatanga-Bawku roads. Mr Mensah-Gyeabour said with the support of the Regional Coordinating Council, District Assemblies, some communities and the Media, the robbery incidents had abated. He appealed to the public to volunteer information on criminals to the police and reassured that the identity of informants would not be disclosed. He urged the police personnel to work diligently and with the utmost professionalism to sustain peace in the region. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Awudu Yerimeah, commended the police and other security agencies for maintaining peace in the region. He however entreated them to remain vigilance during this year's Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration by being firm, fair and friendly. Chief Inspector Anthony Ankomah was adjudged the overall Regional Best Worker and was presented with a refrigerator and a certificate of honour. Source GNA